The Work

Biochemical engineers are concerned with biological changes, which are important to the production of pharmaceuticals and foodstuffs and the treatment of waste.  
 
They engineer improvements to pharmaceuticals; this enhances the quality of our lives by defining ways in which new biological discoveries can be sensitively translated into practical realities.  
 
Biochemical engineers apply engineering science principles to biological materials, processes and systems to create new products. Theses could include almost anything - vaccines, foods, plastic forks and plates, cattle feed and clothing.  
 
For example, biochemical engineers are found in pharmaceutical companies, working in teams alongside chemists and biologists. They often work to achieve purity, for example, when developing life-saving vaccines. Biochemical engineers find and produce the right mixture of molecules to make a drug (some mixtures are valuable while others can be ineffective or even toxic), and then make sure that the drug can be produced on the right scale for the people who need it.  
 
Other biochemical engineers work with life scientists to develop genetic engineering techniques, enabling medical professionals to treat a wide range of medical conditions in the body, without the need for drug treatments.  
 
Biochemical engineers may also work for biotechnology companies that use genetic engineering techniques to try to improve crop yields or increase their resistance to pests and disease.  
 
Some biochemical engineers work for food processing companies, helping to transfer food from farms to consumers in a safe, convenient and natural state.  
 
Biochemical engineering has a very important role to play in protecting the environment. For example, they may use mixtures of growing biological cells to detoxify human waste and many types of industrial waste.  
 
Biochemical engineers may lead teams, including other engineers and engineering technicians.

Further Information

• Biochemical Engineer - from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Biochemical engineers normally complete an appropriate engineering degree. Relevant courses are available at a number of institutions throughout the country. Biomedical engineers typically complete an appropriate engineering degree, but graduates also come from backgrounds in Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Biomedical Science, Materials Science and Physics.

Please note that in the UK the title of Biomedical Scientist is reserved for registered scientists who work in the diagnostic pathology laboratories in the health services. In Ireland, Biomedical Scientists are scientists who work in disease research, and Medical Scientists work in the health services. Biochemical engineers are concerned with biological changes, which are important to the production of pharmaceuticals and foodstuffs and the treatment of waste

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Quality Management, Life Sciences Manufacturing Operations, Laboratory Assistant, Engineering Technology in centres around Ireland at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Applied Laboratory Science, Applied Science - Forensics, Applied Science/Laboratory Techniques, Applied Science - Pharmacy Studies, Forensics - Applied Science, Engineering Technology, Biotechnology, Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Science, Biomedical Science/Laboratory Techniques at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Engineering, Lab Tech & Lab Analyst Apprenticeships at NFQ levels 6-9 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: You can search for your chosen Science & Engineering area (e.g) Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, chemistry, Engineering at NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Postgraduate & Doctoral Study Options Engineering - Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering - Research, Engineering - Chemical & Biopharmaceutical Engineering, Chemical Sciences - Research, Biotechnology & Business at NFQ levels 9-10.  

Professional Development & Associations 

Smart Futures

SFI Science foundation Ireland

Engineering Ireland

Last Updated: August, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €41k - €80k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley / Indeed/ Collins McNicholas/ Excel/ HSE

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Despite a strong five-year annual average employment growth rate, the numbers employed declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. Over half (55%) were employed in the professional activities sector with the remainder spread across industry and other sectors. The number of employment permits issued in 2022 grew strongly (and remained strong in the first five months of 2023) in roles including electrical, mechanical, automation, and validation engineers. There is evidence in the Recruitment Agency Survey of difficulties in filling vacancies for roles in electrical, automation, mechanical, and environmental health & safety (EHS) engineers.

Skills for Growth and Spotlight on Skills data highlight issues with sourcing mechanical, automation and process engineers, with project management, Lean Six Sigma, and CAD/AutoCAD skills in particular demand for these roles. Despite a 3% fall in 2022, this occupation was amongst the most frequently mentioned in online job adverts. Overall demand for this occupation may moderate, although this may be offset by any increase in the extension of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5 technologies to more traditional manufacturing sectors and smaller sized companies; in addition, increased activity associated with the generation of green energy (mechanical/electrical) will also drive demand for these skills. As such, difficulty in sourcing suitably qualified and experienced engineers is expected to continue, albeit in smaller numbers.

• BioPharmaChem Ireland

  • 84/86 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 6051500
  • Click Here

• Science Foundation Ireland

  • Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • 01 - 607 3200
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
  • (01) 665 1300
  • Click Here

• CORU - Regulating Health & Social Care Professionals

  • Infinity Building, George’s Court, George’s Lane, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 E98Y
  • (01) 293 3160
  • [email protected]/ [email protected]/ [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Association of Clinical Biochemists in Ireland

  • [email protected]
  • Click Here